North America, Southwestern, Arizona or western New Mexico, Navajo, ca. 1950s CE. A very fine Navajo Yei (pronounced "yay") wool rug, woven with four elongated figures who are protected by a Rainbow Guardian, all in beautiful soft blue, chestnut brown, golden yellow, pale grey, charcoal grey, black and white hues. Yai is the Navajo name for supernatural beings who possess the power to bring about healing in medicinal ceremonies. Interestingly, yei compositions were initially created for sandpaintings employed during these ceremonies. A wonderful pictorial presentation that clearly demonstrates its roots in Navajo sandpainting, featuring a row of frontally-facing stylized stick figures dressed in ceremonial vestments and holding ritualistic implements, with bows and arrows set between them, and a Rainbow Guardian surrounding and protecting these figures on three sides. Surrounding the entire composition is a black and grey border featuring a lovely stepped pattern above and below the figures. A superb example in wonderful condition. Size: 46" W x 35.75" H (116.8 cm x 90.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Sarkisian Gallery, Denver, CO.

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#117864

Choice. Intact with no areas of discoloration. Fabric sewn to back for inserting a dowel; ready for suspension.